The revenue will support low-carbon operations and reduce energy use

Richmond, CA – West County Wastewater (WCW) has secured $90 million in bond revenue to fund its Comprehensive Energy and Sustainability Upgrades project, which will provide environmental benefits and significant, long-term cost savings for the agency and its customers.

The project supports WCW’s ongoing dedication to environmental leadership in the region and the industry and drives the organization closer to its goal of becoming carbon-neutral.

It’s been over thirty years since WCW had a successful bond sale. Of the recent sale, General Manager Lisa Malek-Zadeh said, “Over the past few years, WCW has transformed as an organization. We have changed our thinking and our approach to how we deliver services to the community where process improvement, innovation and a commitment to service are at the core of everything we do. We are being recognized as a strong, trustworthy and forward-thinking industry leader, making this bond sale appealing to investors.”

Proceeds from the recent sale of 2021 green revenue bonds will be allocated to reduce carbon emissions, maximize resource recovery, and engage the community on important water quality issues. The upgrades are expected to save more than $43.8 million over 20 years.

“These improvements will position WCW to continue leading the industry in innovative and transformative environmental practices, saving money and benefitting the community for years to come,” Deputy General Manager Andrew Clough said. “The projects will revolutionize the way we do business.”

The project includes construction and upgrades that will:

  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the Water Quality and Resource Recovery Plant (WQRRP) by 90 percent
  • Produce biosolids suitable for agricultural and other reclamation uses
  • Reduce energy use by 4.2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year
  • Generate power from biogas by constructing new digesters and other equipment
  • Provide solar energy for use at some WCW facilities

The improvements will help WCW meets its mission of protecting public health and the environment through safe, responsible wastewater collection and treatment.

WCW’s Board of Directors approved sale of the bonds in August 2021. The sale was finalized on September 30, 2021. For more information, visit www.wcwd.org.

Contact: Kate Gibbs, kgibbs@wcwd.org, 510-390-4844